Naperville 'Smart meter' defendant's citations dropped

Melissa Jenco, for the Chicago Tribune

Jennifer Stahl, left, and Kim Bendis, far right, were arrested last year after authorities say they interfered with the installation of wireless electric meters on their homes. The citations against Stahl were dropped on Wednesday after she agreed to a diversion program. Bendis' case is still pending.

Jennifer Stahl, left, and Kim Bendis, far right, were arrested last year after authorities say they interfered with the installation of wireless electric meters on their homes. The citations against Stahl were dropped on Wednesday after she agreed to a diversion program. Bendis' case is still pending. (Melissa Jenco, for the Chicago Tribune)

Clifford WardSpecial to the Tribune

A woman who was cited by Naperville police for interfering with the installation of a “smart meter” at her home has resolved her case, the city prosecutor said today.

The city agreed to drop two citations against Jennifer Stahl after she met the requirements of a diversion program, Naperville prosecutor Mike DiSanto said.“We consider the matter resolved,” he said.

In exchange for the city dropping the citations for interfering with a police officer and preventing access to customer premises, Stahl agreed to completed 40 hours of community service, as well as meet other requirements of the diversion program, DiSanto said.

At today’s hearing, an attorney for Stahl presented letters from five non-profit agencies where Stahl had volunteered 50 hours — 10 more than she was required, DiSanto said.

Stahl did not attend the hearing, DiSanto said. A telephone call to her residence was not immediately returned.

Stahl and another Naperville woman have been at the forefront of a group opposed to the installation of wireless electric meters on city residences. Naperville officials say the meters will be more efficient and accurate, but Stahl’s group believes their electric signals pose health hazards and are intrusive.

Stahl, 41, was cited at her home in January 2013 when she locked her fence and then stood in front of her electric meter in an attempt to prevent installation of the electric unit.

Another leader of the group, Malia “Kim” Bendis, was charged with two misdemeanors in an attempt to disrupt the meter installation. Her case is pending in DuPage County court, according to court records.

The diversion program Stahl completed gives certain first-time offenders an alternative means of resolving their cases, DiSanto said. Stahl has not been in any other legal trouble since she was cited, which is a requirement of the program, he said.